All open water bodies kept open for fishermen: State Minister

The government has decided to keep all open water bodies accessible for fishermen to ease the livelihood of genuine fishermen in haor areas. Fisheries and Livestock State Minister Sultan Salauddin Tuku has also said that river and canal dredging programmes are being intensified to protect boro crops from premature floods and waterlogging.

He made the remarks during an exchange of views with journalists at the Netrokona Circuit House on Friday morning, July 3. He said the current government's policy is "whoever has the net, has the water." Under this policy, access to open water bodies is being ensured to protect the interests of genuine fishermen.

The state minister said that in the past, due to the lease system, influential individuals controlled haors and water bodies, preventing ordinary fishermen from catching fish. The government is working through legal measures to remove those obstacles so that genuine fishermen can fish in water bodies without hindrance.

He added that dredging activities are ongoing to maintain navigability of rivers and canals, reduce waterlogging and keep water bodies suitable for fish farming. These initiatives will benefit both the agriculture and fisheries sectors.

After the briefing at the Circuit House, the state minister left for an official visit to Madan, Khaliajuri, Sadar and Mohanganj upazilas in the district, where he participated in fish fry release programmes and roadside meetings.